Ease/difficulty of making reservations

[Sharper]

Seriously considering buying DVC timeshare. We own one timeshare already, and while I generally feel we got a good deal we have had problems getting reservations, because 1)they fell far behind on construction schedule, and 2)members from other resorts can trade in, or outsiders can make cash reservations and owners have (apparently) zero priority at the resort (which is the only one in the family which we are interested in visiting.) At any rate, for those who have made reservations both through CRO and through the Vacation Club how do they compare? Are DVC spaces available when they aren't to the general public or vice versa (that is, are they blocked off like AP or DC discounts, then when that number is reserved there are no more.)

Hope this makes a little sense! Thanks for any help.

 

[RobDoc]

At the DVC resorts already sold out, 96% of the resort is owned by the members and is available only to members. As members use points to make non-DVC reservations (cruise, Concierge Collection, other non-DVC Disney resorts, etc) the resorts are opened up to cash reservations. There are times when cash reservations may not be available even to owners.

At the resorts currently for sale, member availability is limited to the % sold to members. BCV, VB and HH are still for sale thru DVC directly (and a few points at VWL).

Getting reservations, especially 11 months ahead, is a fairly straightforward process for owners at that resort. Most of the resorts will also be available at 7 months for other members.

The DVC program's key ingredient is flexibilty and it works quite well.

Enjoy!

 

[ceejay13]

This was my biggest concern before joining. We have been members for 2 years, and at least from my experience it was totally unfounded. Our home resort is BWV. Both times we have made ressies for the BWV at 11 months out, we have gotten exactly what and when we wanted. Once for a standard view and another for the BW view and we got a great BW view. We just returned from a 5 night stay last month at OKW and were able to take a spur of the moment trip after calling only 6 weeks ahead. We also stayed in 2000 at OKW and got in at the 6 month window. That stay also included a 2 day stay at VB booked also at the 6 month window. I have not used CRO for any of the DVC resorts, only for cash stays at several other resorts. I can tell you, however, we are huge fans of the DVC. It is a great way to vacation.